Wingate University Doctor of Physical Therapy
Curriculum with Course Descriptions
Year 1 (44 hrs)
Semester 1 (18)
DPT 711 Human Gross Anatomy (4)
This is a one semester course designed to help students establish a foundational
understanding of the neuromusculoskeletal systems of the human body for the practice
of physical therapy. We will take a regional approach covering the arms, trunk, head,
and legs. At the end of the class you will have an understanding of how structure of the
human body determines function as a prelude to a clinical understanding of how to treat
structural dysfunction.
DPT 712 Human Physiology (3)
This is a one semester course designed to help students establish a foundation
understanding of muscular, cardiovascular, urinary, gastrointestinal, and endocrine
system physiology for the practice of physical therapy. At the end of the class you will
have an understanding of the histology, function, and integrated regulation of organs
within these systems as they apply to normal body function and as a prelude to a clinical
understanding of how to treat dysfunction.
DPT 713 Clinical Practice 1; Screening & Examination (3)
This course introduces the student to tools and procedures used in physical therapist
clinical practice. Students will learn Patient-centered interviewing, examination format,
and the skill of basic patient handling.
DPT 714 Research I; Search & Appraisal of Literature (3)
The student is initiated into research methodology relevant to clinical practice and/or
research applications. Case-based problems are used to assist students in developing
relevant questions, developing a matrix for critical literature review and application of
knowledge from the literature review to the answering of clinical questions.
DPT 715 Physical Therapist as a Professional 1 (2)
This course is designed to introduce the physical therapy student to professionalism and
the continued evolution of the profession of physical therapy. Professionalism is a
systematic and integrated set of core values that through assessment, critical reflection,
and change, guides the judgment, decisions, behaviors, and attitudes of the physical
therapist in relation to clients, other professionals, the public, the profession and the
physical therapist’s own growth. At the end of the course the physical therapy student
will have an increased awareness and understanding of the core values and
demonstrate integration of professionalism into their own development as a practitioner,
consultant, critical inquirer, educator, and administrator.
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DPT 716 Principles of Pharmacology (3)
Students are instructed in pharmacological principles associated with patient care, with
special emphasis placed upon the pharmacological agents, potential side effects, and
special issues associated with the pharmacological management of patients/clients most
likely to be seen in physical therapy practice.
Semester 2 (9)
DPT 721 Applied Kinesiology (4)
Students receive instruction in normal joint kinematics, applying the physical laws of
motion. Special emphasis will be given to body surface palpation and includes cadaver
dissection of the spine and extremities to augment classroom instruction.
DPT 722 Neuroanatomy (3)
This course will provide an in-depth overview of functional neuroanatomy with special
emphasis on both normal human function and dysfunction following damage to the
nervous system. This course will also introduce the principles of neuroscience and
describe their clinical application; it will begin with an introduction to the nervous system
(macro and micro), then cover the major functions of the central (i.e., brain and spinal
cord) and peripheral nervous systems (i.e., somatic and autonomic). The manner in
which these systems interact to produce specific responses to stimuli will be discussed.
Moreover, the behavioral consequences of damage to each system will be integrated
throughout by discussing clinical cases.
DPT 723 Neurophysiology (2)
This is a one semester course designed to help students establish a foundation
understanding of neural system physiology for the practice of physical therapy. At the
end of the class you will have an understanding of the histology, function, and integrated
regulation of the system to other systems as they apply to normal body function and as a
prelude to a clinical understanding of how to treat dysfunction.
Semester 3 (17)
DPT 731 Research II; Design & Stats (3)
This course further develops and elaborates tools and procedures used in clinical
decision-making and evidence-based practice. Students will apply models of practice
and decision-tree analysis in the context of clinical management. Research methodology
relevant to clinical practice continues with the critical review of literature related to tests,
measures and interventions used in physical therapy practice.
DPT 732 Pathophysiology (4)
This course will focus on general pathophysiological principles of disease and disorders
that affect organ systems of the body, with an emphasis on integrating the
interrelationship between different organ systems in the context of clinical correlations
relevant to allied health professionals.
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DPT 733 Clinical Practice 2; Evaluation & Diagnosis (4)
This course provides students with instruction designed to integrate the past and present
semester topics and apply it to the systems approach of physical therapy through the
patient/client management model. This course specifically introduces and sharpens the
student’s ability to reason in a clinical sense, making determinations that will guide the
examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and intervention phases of practice to
include concepts such as therapeutic exercise and modalities.
DPT 734 Clinical Integration 1; Application (3)
Students are provided case-based patient/client scenarios. Students then locate and
compile information from multiple sources to prepare for a mock patient encounter (in
small groups) where they apply and practice the information presented to date in
courses and information compiled by the student. First year students are monitored and
mentored through this process by a faculty member and second year student.
DPT 735 Diagnosis & Management of Integumentary Conditions (3)
Students are instructed in and practice skills associated with conditions associated with
the Integumentary system, utilizing a comprehensive patient/client management
approach through integration of the five elements of care (examination, evaluation,
diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention).
Year 2 (45 hrs)
Semester 4 (18)
DPT 741 Clinical Practice 3; Prognosis & Intervention Across Systems (3)
This course provides students with instruction designed to integrate the past and present
semester topics and apply it to the systems approach of physical therapy through the
patient/client management model. This course specifically introduces and sharpens the
student’s ability to reason in a clinical sense, making determinations that will guide the
evaluation, prognosis and intervention phases of practice, to include concepts such as
clinical decision making, care planning, and discharge planning.
DPT 742 Motor Development & Motor Behavior (3)
This course will review normal motor development and motor control from a lifespan
perspective. Changes in the neurosensory, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal
systems associated with normal development and aging will be reviewed. Principles of
motor control and motor learning will be discussed and related to physical therapy
intervention.
DPT 743 Research 3; Outcomes Assessment and Capstone (2)
Students are introduced to the process associated with the required capstone project.
Instruction is provided in the steps necessary to completion and students are assigned
to a faculty mentor (to be associated for the remainder of their capstone project).
Individual student-mentor work on capstone project is begun.
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DPT 744 Diagnosis & Mgmt of Musculoskeletal Conditions 1 (3)
This course introduces the student to the principles of orthopedic medicine and includes
an overview of etiology, diagnosis, and surgical management of commonly encountered
musculoskeletal pathologies across the lifespan. Concepts relating to selective tissue
evaluation and mobilization are introduced, and specific exercise approaches for the
management of musculoskeletal pathology and recovery are addressed. Case studies
and laboratory practice will facilitate the students’ development of skills in evaluation,
examination, and interventions along with integration of related curricular topics.
DPT 745 Diagnosis & Mgmt of Neurological Conditions 1 (3)
Students are instructed in and practice skills associated with conditions involving the
neuromuscular system, utilizing a comprehensive patient/client management approach
through integration of the five elements of care (examination, evaluation, diagnosis,
prognosis, and intervention).
DPT 746 Clinical Internship 1 (4)
Students experience their first full-time clinical practice situation for a duration of eight
weeks, where the knowledge, skills and behaviors learned in the classroom are applied
to patients/clients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist as clinical
instructor. Emphasis will be placed on developing interpersonal, documentation, patient
examination techniques, patient treatment techniques, and professional behaviors. The
primary outcome of this first clinical internship is to begin the management of simple
patient cases from all aspects of physical therapy care.
Semester 5 (9)
DPT 751 Diagnosis & Mgmt of Musculoskeletal Conditions 2 (3)
A continuation of DPT 744, this course progresses the student in management of
individuals with musculoskeletal dysfunction through the application of manual
techniques and therapeutic interventions that integrate the principles of mechanics,
arthrokinematics and osteokinematics. Selected modalities used in the management of
musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain are covered. Case studies and laboratory practice
will facilitate the students’ development of skills in examination, evaluation, and
interventions along with integration of related curricular topics.
DPT 752 Diagnosis & Mgmt of Neurological Conditions 2 (3)
This is the second course in the neurology sequence. Students are instructed in and
practice skills associated with conditions involving the neuromuscular system, utilizing a
comprehensive patient/client management approach through integration of the five
elements of care (examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention).
DPT 753 Clinical Integration 2; Reasoning (3)
Students are provided case-based patient/client scenarios. Students then locate,
compile, and review information from their first year professional instruction sources to
prepare for mentoring a small group of first year students through a mock patient
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encounter (similar to the process they had encountered as a first year student with the
case being varied). Students then expand on the cases to include recommendations for
evidence based intervention.
Semeter 6 (18)
DPT 761 Diagnosis & Mgmt of Cardiopulmonary Conditions (4)
The role of physical therapy in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation will be
discussed including the: 1) etiology and pathophysiology of common cardiovascular and
pulmonary disorders, 2) medical and surgical management of patients with these
disorders and 3) physical therapy examination, evaluation and management of patients
with these disorders.
DPT 762 Clinical Integration 3; Synthesis (3)
Students prepare case-based clinical scenarios utilizing their patient/client encounters
they have been involved in throughout their professional education. These cases are
then presented to the faculty.
DPT 763 Research 4; Capstone (2)
Students complete their work with their faculty mentor on their capstone project.
Exceptional work is selected for presentation during the Comprehensive Examination
week.
DPT 764 Physical Therapist as a Professional 2 (2)
This course is designed to expand the physical therapy student’s application and
understanding of professionalism, the roles of practitioner, consultant, critical inquirer,
educator, and administrator, and the evaluation of ethical and legal situation in physical
therapy practice. At the end of the course the physical therapy student will demonstrate
integration of professionalism into their own actions and critical assessment skills in
relation to professional standards. The student will also foster professionalism during
their interactions with peers, instructors, patients, and society.
DPT 765 Diagnosis & Mgmt of Special Populations (4)
Students receive instruction in the unique needs of various client populations in regards
to physical therapy evaluation and management across the age spectrum. Topics to be
covered include the management of the pediatric population and the psychosocial needs
of the child, family centered care, early intervention, and school-based practice, and
continues in topics of women’s health, adults with intellectual and developmental
disabilities, adults with mental illness and limited cognitive function, and geriatrics.
DPT 766 Differential Diagnosis for the Physical Therapist (3)
Students receive instruction in the complex thought processes and skills which require
the physical therapist to make determination of appropriateness for treatment or identify
conditions that may require referral to or examination by a physician. Students then
practice the skills through case studies from a variety of practice patterns.
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Year 3 (41 hrs)
Semeter 7 (19)
DPT 771 Clinical Internship 2 (4)
Students experience their second full-time eight week clinical practice situation, where
the knowledge, skills and behaviors learned in the classroom are applied to
patients/clients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist as clinical
instructor. Emphasis will be placed on developing interpersonal, documentation, patient
examination techniques, patient treatment techniques, and professional behaviors. The
primary outcome of the second internship is to continue to advance the skills learned in
the first internship. Students should be able to manage a small caseload (3-4 patients)
of patients with a single diagnosis and no co-morbidities. Students should also begin to
manage more complex patients.
DPT 772 Wellness & Prevention (2)
This course is designed to expose the physical therapy student to the concept of
prevention and wellness in physical therapy. By the end of the course the student will
have an understanding of the importance of the critical role that physical therapists have
in educating and training society about prevention wellness. The student will also
demonstrate an ability to identify and construct methods for implementing prevention
and wellness programs within physical therapy clinics.
DPT 773 Orthotics & Prosthetics (3)
Students are instructed in orthotic and prosthetic components, prescription, and physical
therapy application. Additionally, students receive instruction in and practice exercise
prescription for amputees, evaluative procedures for orthotics and prosthetics, prosthetic
gait analysis, and prosthetic device care. Other common pathological gait manifestations
are examined and corrective physical therapist action is discussed.
DPT 774 Patient as a Learner (3)
Students receive instruction in and practice the skills associated with the evaluation of
learning needs of the patient/client, designing and delivering instructional material to
fulfill the learner’s needs, and the process of effective and efficient assessment of
learning.
DPT 775 Psychosocial Implications in Rehab (2)
This course is designed to provide students with the information necessary for the
appraisal and understanding of the psychosocial and medical aspects of common acute
and chronic forms of disability/illness, including their nature, causes, and treatment.
Topics include psychosocial aspects of rehabilitation that relate to sociocultural attitudes,
mental health issues, family dynamics , and sexuality. This course will also address
psychosocial issues that pertain to bodily disfigurement, sensory and motor impairment,
cognitive-behavioral deficits, affective deficits, and specific catastrophic diseases.
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DPT 776 Diagnostic Imaging in Rehabilitation (2)
Students receive instruction in the principles, procedures, and interpretation of
diagnostic imaging techniques. Special emphasis is placed on plain film radiography,
myelograms, CT scans, medical resonance imaging and nuclear medicine as they relate
to the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems.
DPT 777 Management & Administration in Healthcare (3)
Students receive instruction in the role of the administrator in physical therapy and
health care. Emphasis is placed on business operations, budget development,
supervision of support personnel, risk management, utilization review, quality
improvement, accreditation and reimbursement. Additionally, the student will construct a
professional resume writing and practice interviewing skills.
Semester 8 (10)
DPT 781 Clinical Internship 3 (6)
Students experience their third full-time clinical practice situation, lasting a total of 12
weeks. In this experience the knowledge, skills and behaviors learned in the classroom
are applied to patients/clients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist as
clinical instructor. Emphasis will be placed on developing independence in interpersonal
behaviors, documentation, patient examination and treatment techniques, fiscal
management, and professional behaviors. The primary outcome of the third clinical
internship is to near expectations of the entry level physical therapist. The student
should be able to manage at least one half a caseload of less complex patients but will
still require guidance of the complex patients.
DPT 782 Comprehensive Examination 1 (4)
Students are guided through a week by week review of topics covered during their past
three year curriculum in an on-line, asynchronous review developed to refresh the main
concepts and prepare for the upcoming national licensure exam. This course takes place
concurrently during their third 12 week clinical internship (DPT 781 Clinical Internship 3),
and encourages the student to share their learning experiences during internship with
their classmates through an interactive discussion in an on-line learning platform.
Semester 9 (12)
DPT 791 Clinical Internship 4 (8)
Students experience their final full-time clinical practice situation (15 weeks), where the
knowledge, skills and behaviors learned in the classroom are applied to patients/clients
under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist as clinical instructor. Emphasis
will be placed on developing independence with interpersonal behaviors, documentation,
patient examination and treatment techniques, fiscal management, and professional
behaviors. The primary outcome of the fourth clinical internship is to be entry level
physical therapy practitioners. Students will also be able to explore advanced skills and
areas of specialty interest.
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DPT 792 Comprehensive Examination 2 (4)
Students return to campus after all clinical work is completed and are instructed in the
steps necessary to prepare and apply for the opportunity to take the National Physical
Therapy Exam for licensure. Students are administered a practical and written
examination comprehensive of all material provided in the professional program.
Students must achieve a passing score on the comprehensive examinations to
graduate.
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